This salad is as appealing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.

Ingredients:

1 lb small zucchini, sliced diagonally
1 lb small, ripe tomatoes, cut in wedges
1/2 cup purple onion, sliced into narrow strips
1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1 1/2 tsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Green olives to garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Arrange squash in a steamer over boiling water. Cover and steam 1 minute, then plunge into cold water to stop the cooking. Drain well. Combine squash, tomatoes, onion, and basil in salad bowl.

In a small bowl combine the remaining ingredients (including green onions). Pour over the vegetables and toss gently. Serve chilled or at room temperature.